Twin chaos and aristocratic mix-ups on the eve of the French Revolution.
START THE REVOLUTION WITHOUT ME
Gene Wilder... wilder than ever!
An account of the adventures of two sets of identical twins, badly scrambled at birth, on the eve of the French Revolution. One set is haughty and aristocratic, the other poor and somewhat dim. They find themselves involved in palace intrigues as history happens around them. Based, very loosely, on Dickens's "A Tale of Two Cities," Dumas's "The Corsican Brothers," etc.
Quick Answer
Start the Revolution Without Me is a 1970 American comedy directed by Bud Yorkin about two sets of identical twins, separated at birth and mismatched, who become entangled in palace intrigues during the French Revolution.
Programmer's Pick
Gene Wilder and Donald Sutherland double down on the twin trouble, romping through a satirical tangle of revolution, aristocracy, and mistaken identity. If you like your history with a side of farce and your revolutions with a pratfall, this one delivers.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Why This Matters
This period comedy brings together an international cast and parodies classic works of historical fiction about the French Revolution, including novels by Dickens and Dumas, highlighting its playful engagement with literary and cinematic traditions surrounding French history.
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
Two sets of identical twins, scrambled at birth, create a tangle of mistaken identities and comic confusion.
A parody of the French Revolution that lampoons historical melodrama and classic literature.
Gene Wilder and Donald Sutherland each play dual roles, bringing sharp comedic timing to their mismatched twins.
Expect sword fights, secret passageways, and satirical takes on royal shenanigans as the twins navigate high-stakes farce.
Scene Gallery
Questions from the Vault
Who directed Start the Revolution Without Me? +
Start the Revolution Without Me was directed by Bud Yorkin.
How long is Start the Revolution Without Me? +
Start the Revolution Without Me has a runtime of 90 minutes.
What genre is Start the Revolution Without Me? +
Start the Revolution Without Me is a comedy and history film.
Where can I watch Start the Revolution Without Me? +
Start the Revolution Without Me is available to stream on SassyFlix.
